Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today (4 March 2013) published further research career case studies, with researchers telling their own personal story of how they got involved in research, what it takes to be a researcher, and their rewarding experiences from their chosen career paths.
The case studies are aimed at young people and highlight the opportunities research skills can give, not only in academia but also in the wider world of business, industry and commerce. The skills gained from a research career are highly sought after by increasing numbers of national and international companies working with UK researchers.
There are now 59 case studies in total, covering a wide range of disciplines including arts and humanities; engineering; maths; biology; social sciences; and physics.
Dr Chris North, Postdoctoral Research Associate and Outreach Officer at Cardiff University’s School of Physics and Astronomy combines his role in ensuring the accuracy of data gathered from an instrument on the Herschel Space Observatory, with his communications activity, including being a presenter on the BBC’s The Sky at Night.
He said: “I have been interested in space and astronomy since I was young. I was actively encouraged by my parents and teachers, so my career path seemed like a natural progression, and always felt like the right thing to do. In my current role, I am able to combine research with communication and broadcast work - including some on-screen appearances. Working with The Sky at Night team, including with the Sir Patrick Moore until he passed away last year, is immensely enjoyable and rewarding."
Dr Lyndsay McLean Hilker, a lecturer in Anthropology and International Development at the University of Sussex, chose a career in international development following her experiences of studying and travelling to Africa. Her current research focuses on the causes and consequences of different forms of violence and how people can rebuild their lives and transform their relationships and communities in a way that prevents future suffering.
She said: “I feel really fortunate that my work is so closely linked to my primary passion - to improve human wellbeing - in particular to understand how violence might be prevented and to help individuals and communities to recover after violent conflict has occurred. My experience has led me to choose a career combining research, policy and practice. I have opted to take a half-time post as an academic and to spend the rest of my time working as a consultant in international development."
New case studies will continue to be added to the site to promote the wide variety of careers available in research as well as demonstrating the multitude of routes to those careers that young people can pursue. We would like to encourage anyone with an interesting research career story to get in touch with us to be considered as a case study. Please email communications@rcuk.ac.uk
RCUK believes that inspiring the next generation to consider the value of a career in research is vital to ensure that the UK maintains its world-leading position, providing critical contributions to the economy and the pressing challenges facing society.
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Further information
Contact:
Katie Clark
Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark
Notes to editors
The Careers in Research case studies resource is available here.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).